CUSTOMS DUTIES: SOUTH AFRICA TO HUNGARY

Overview of Customs Duties from South Africa to Hungary

When exporting goods from South Africa to Hungary, your shipments will be subject to European Union customs regulations and tariff structures. Hungary, as a member state of the European Union since 2004, applies the EU's common external tariff (CXT) system to all imports from non-EU countries, including South Africa. Understanding these regulations is essential for accurate cost estimation, proper documentation, and timely customs clearance.

All customs procedures and tariff assessments occur at the first point of entry into the EU, though Hungary will collect Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods with Hungary as the final destination. The combination of import duties and VAT obligations represents significant costs that must be factored into your export pricing and logistics planning.

General Duty Rates and VAT Structure

The European Union maintains an average tariff level of 3.6% under its common external tariff system. However, specific duty rates vary significantly depending on the product classification under the Combined Nomenclature and TARIC systems.

Product Category	Tariff Rate	VAT Rate in Hungary	Notes
General Goods (Average)	3.6%	27%	EU common external tariff average
Baking Products, Internet Services	Varies by HS code	18%	Reduced VAT category
Raw Meat (Pork, Poultry, Fish, Veal)	Varies by HS code	5%	Agricultural products with preferential VAT
Fresh Dairy Products	Varies by HS code	5%	Agricultural products with preferential VAT
Medical Aids, Nutritional Supplements, Pharmaceuticals	Varies by HS code	5%	Health-related products with reduced VAT
Commercial Accommodation Services	Not applicable	5%	Service category with reduced VAT

For precise tariff rates applicable to your specific products, you must consult the TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the Community) database, which is updated daily and accessible through the EU Directorate-General for Taxation and the Customs Union website. The Customs Info Database Tariff Lookup Tool can also assist in identifying exact duty rates based on Harmonized System codes.

Required Documentation

• Commercial Invoice – detailing product descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total value in USD or EUR
• Packing List – showing detailed breakdown of contents and packaging specifications
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill – proof of shipment and transportation details
• Certificate of Origin – documenting that goods originate from South Africa
• Harmonized System (HS) Code Classification – accurate commodity codes for all products
• Import License (if applicable) – required for certain restricted or controlled goods
• Product-Specific Certificates – such as health certificates for agricultural products, safety certifications for electronics, or quality certificates as required by EU regulations
• Customs Declaration Form – completed according to EU customs requirements
• Insurance Documentation – if goods are insured during transit

Important Regulations

Tariff Classification: All products must be declared to customs authorities according to their classification in the Combined Nomenclature. The EU classification system comprises three integrated components: the Harmonized System (5,000 commodity groups), the Combined Nomenclature (eight-digit EU codes), and TARIC (ten-digit codes with additional trade policy measures).

VAT Assessment: Hungary collects a standard VAT rate of 27% on most goods and services. Reduced rates of 18% and 5% apply to specific product categories. VAT is assessed on goods with Hungary as their final destination.

First Point of Entry: Tariff assessment and all customs procedures occur at the first EU port of entry, not at the Hungarian border. This means your goods may clear customs at any EU entry point before reaching Hungary.

Anti-Dumping and Protective Measures: The TARIC database includes information on any applicable anti-dumping duties, safeguard measures, or other protective mechanisms that may affect your shipment.

Trade Agreements and Preferential Access

South Africa and the European Union maintain trade relations, though no comprehensive free trade agreement currently exists that would eliminate tariffs on most goods. Exporters should verify whether any temporary duty suspensions, preferential measures, or bilateral arrangements apply to their specific products by consulting the TARIC database.

For the most current information on applicable trade measures, tariff rates, and regulatory requirements, consult the EU Directorate-General for Taxation and the Customs Union or contact a customs broker with expertise in South Africa-EU trade.